Pai Mae Hong Son

Pai is a town in Mae Hong Son Province, some 100km (63mi) west of the town of Mae Hong Son. Thailand’s second northernmost provincial capital, is sheltered by several high mountains and enjoys a cool climate almost all year round. Maehongson is known for its charm of scenery and culture. The people of Maehongson consists of the Shans who live in the city and the hilltribe people who live in remote villages on mountain tops where elements of lifestyle have changed little in hundreds of years.

Hilltribe Trekking

Mae Hong Son has several tour operators that specialise in trekking.  Treks are designed to expose visitors to splendor nature and a variety of hilltribes.  The adventure may combine jungle walks with elephant riding and river rafting. The cool winter months of November to February are the best time to travel. Avoid the height of the rainy season in August and September.  In the dry months between March and May, the temperature can soar uncomfortably high for strenuous mountain hikes.

Huai Nam Dang National Park

At Km. 65 on the Pai-Mae Malai route (No.1095), there is a turning leading to the headquarters of the Huai Nam Dang National Park. Visitors can spend the night in tents to wait for the spectacular views of sunrise and mist-shrouded mountain views in the morning.  Cherry blossom during January adds charms to the attraction.

Mountain Biking

The centre for mountain biking adventure is Pai district, where several bike shops rent out bikes and gear to tourists. Bike tours explore nearby and remote hilltribe villages, waterfalls and hot springs.  The best time is November-May.  Experienced guides are ready to lead biking parties through breathtaking back-country trails for up to a week.  There are natural cycle paths through the forest, first trod by animals then beaten by man.  They range from as narrow as a single persons stride or as wide as an elephant or ox cart.

Pong Dueat Hot Spring

This is a geyser type hot spring which rises up 2 metres high.  At Km. 42 of Route 1095, there is a six-kilometre road leading to the hot spring.

Rafting along the Pai River

This is an exciting and delightful recreation.   The Pai itself is the longest river of Mae Hong Son originating from mountain ranges in Laos which flows through Pai district and eventually joins the Salawin river in Myanmar, a total distance of 180 kilometres.  With an average depth of some 7 metres, the riverbed is mainly pebbled.  There are several sectors eminently suitable for rafting past rapids and natural scenery including beautiful waterfalls.

Tour operators in Mae Hong Son town or in Pai district can provide the necessary service, some also able to provide elephant rides.  The best time for rafting is from October to March.

Tha Pai Hot Spring

This is another attraction in the area of Huai Nam Dang National Park.  The hot spring is two kilometres off Route 1095 at Km. 87. It has an average temperature of 80 celcius.  Steam from the spring permeates the site in the morning creating fascinating sights.  The area is also rich in teakwoods and suitable for overnight camping.

Transportation

Bangkok - Mae Hong Son

Thai Airways has one direct flight daily from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son. Departure is in the morning. All direct Bangkok - Mae Hong Son flights have a stop-over in Chiang Mai. There are additional connections if one doesn’t mind waiting and changing aircraft in Chiang Mai (see Provincial Flights below). Flight time is around 2:10hrs. The price of a one-way ticket is 1865 Baht.

Direct air and non-aircon buses to Mae Hong Son depart daily from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Station on Phahonyothin Road. Aircon buses leave only once at 18:00; fare is 310 Baht. Non-aircon buses depart at 9:00 and 14:00; passage costs 199 Baht.

An alternative way is to go via Chiang Mai. From Bangkok’s Northern Bus Station on Phahonyothin Road, both air and non air-con buses leave some 30 times daily to Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, buses leave for Mae Hong Son via Mae Sariang 5 times daily. The trip from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son takes approximately 8 hours.